Annual watermelon cutting kicks off summer in Statesboro

The traditional university event of watermelon cutting will start later this week, on Independence Day, as Georgia Southern University (GSU)hosts the 66th running of the fun time event.

A tradition that goes back through the years to 1948, it always marks the true start of summer for GSU students, and many of the folks living and working in the town. With the event starting at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 4, it is likely to see quite a few people turn out.

The first cutting will take place at the Pedestrium, which is just right next door to the Carruth Building. Taking to the stage will be the popular President of Georgia Southern, Brooks Keel, Ph.D., and his wife, First Lady Tammie Schalue, Ph.D.

It is said to be one of Keel’s favorite events of the whole year, and he certainly puts on a broad smile for the cameras each summer.

They will both be there, likely bedecked in suitable banner and poster printing, slicing up the watermelon and serving decent portions to everyone in attendance, including students, staff, and other members of the faculty.

While the headline event is on the Fourth of July, the traditional cutting will continue right through July. There will be other watermelon cutting days taking place on July 10, July 17, and July 24.

With many other events slated to take place throughout Stateboro this summer, we all just hope the weather will play its part, and give us the hot weather and blue skies we all need.